It’s devilishly easy to be reeled in by the promise of a limited edition item. The allure of exclusivity, the potential for appreciation, the collectability factor: all perfectly reasonable excuses to cash in on a limited watch. Still, most enthusiasts (myself included) are understandably frustrated when these cool limited models come at a hefty price tag or feel like unobtainium due to double-digit production volume. Enter watches like the new Citizen Tsuyosa Shore “Time Slip”, which, while technically limited at 12,000 units, promises a more affordable and obtainable entry into the limited edition collectible world, while still retaining some of that “exclusive” magic.
Citizen’s Tsuyosa collection has made quite the name for itself as a bold, sub-$1,000 line of automatic watches. Most of the models involve loud colors and subtle, minimalist design, making them great choices for everyday wear, or a new enthusiast’s first mechanical watch. The Time Slip joins two other skin diver-adjacent Shore models in the Tsuyosa line. Like the non-limited previous models, it boasts 100 meters of water resistance within a 40mm stainless steel case. Inside, a caliber 8210 automatic movement powers the stop second and date (with a “cyclops” style magnifying window) functions. It’s a neat little package that allows for the robust longevity of a mechanical movement, but even with a unidirectional bezel and added legibility features like luminous hands and indices, it doesn’t sell itself too deeply on the diver aspect; rather, it sits more firmly in the “lifestyle” category. This isn’t a detriment at all—after all, how many people actually take their proper dive watches under the water? It’s more of a testament to the Tsuyosa line’s ability to straddle design and function conventions and bring more widely-appealing options to the table.
So what makes the Time Slip special over other Shore models? First, the deep black gradient dial has a textured finish, which is a step above in design complexity and gives the watch a more elevated look. It gives the appearance of a black sand beach, and matches the black bezel nicely. The white indices and hands wear gold outlines, paired with the gold numerals and markers on the bezel, and text details on the dial. What I appreciate about this color scheme is that it doesn’t fall into “summer” cliches by leaning on bright, cheery colors. Instead, it takes a more conceptual approach, and asks the wearer to consider the leisurely passing of time, hence the name. It’s a theme that could very well have come off as tacky and forced, but Citizen was smart to keep the aesthetic subdued, with a touch of vintage styling to ensure that it won’t be out of style by the next summer. It certainly won’t be a traditional beach wear for most buyers, but it also won’t have to sit in a box or on a dresser until the weather warms up again, which to me, increases its value as an everyday-wear watch buy.
Speaking of value, the Time Slip adds another notch to its belt by including an exhibition caseback, a relatively surprising addition to a skin diver in this price range. It’s a touch that may go a little underappreciated by someone used to divers from brands like Omega or even Seiko, but since the Tsuyosa line is aimed squarely at younger, newer enthusiasts, it’s a really appreciated extra detail that could be an exciting first look at the inner workings of a mechanical watch for some buyers.
Priced at $525, the Time Slip is by no means a cheap watch for most, but for the classy styling, luxury details, and fully mechanical movement, it’s a really solid choice that should age quite well aesthetically. And yes, it is limited, but at 12,000 pieces, even those of us caught in the 9-5 grind may actually have a shot at securing one. Whether you’re building out a Tsuyosa collection or just looking for a handsome and decently robust everyday watch on a limited budget, the Time Slip is worth a look. Citizen
